The Board of the National Institute on Genealogical Research announced the appointment of Malissa Ruffner, J.D., CG℠, as director of the institute, succeeding Patricia O’Brien Shawker. She will assume responsibility for the July 2016 program and future years. The National Archives, through its representative on the board of directors, has expressed strong support for the continuation of the institute and will work with the new director to assure success in coming years.
Malissa, a resident of Baltimore, Maryland, earned a Bachelor of Arts from Goucher College and a law degree and a Master of Library Science degree, both from the University of Maryland. In addition to genealogy, she has worked as a lawyer, and in schools, libraries and archives. Her genealogical pursuits include client work, writing and blogging, lecturing, and participation in conferences and institutes, including NIGR, the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research at Samford University, the Genealogical Research Institute at Pittsburgh, Forensic Genealogy Institute, ProGen, and “Come Home to New England” at the New England Historic Genealogical Society. Malissa currently serves on the Maryland Genealogical Society Board of Directors and on the Intellectual Property Committee of the Board for Certification of Genealogy.
Malissa attended the Institute in 2010 and regards it as turning point in her genealogical education. “It’s an honor and a challenge to step into Patty’s shoes and I will do my best to carry on the Institute’s great tradition.”